Design control water based adhesive

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes compositions of matter, methods of making and using a sealable container using a design control water based adhesive composition for application using a printing press by providing a substrate comprising a first side and a second side each having a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, a left edge and a storage region positioned there between; applying a first composition to the top edge, the bottom edge, the right edge, the left edge; applying at least a second composition to the first composition; and placing a cover on the at least a second composition to be sealed by the second composition and the first composition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/598,539, filed Feb. 14, 2012. The contents of which isincorporated by reference in its entirety.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS FILED ON COMPACT DISC

None.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to the field of adhesivecompositions, specifically to compositions of matter and methods ofmaking and using adhesive compositions for packaging a sterilizablearticle for presentation onto a sterile field.

STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background is describedin connection with coating of an adhesive, applied and pressure sealed,to form an airtight seal to maintain sterility. Various medicalinstruments, medical devices, tools, and supplies are subjected tosterilization treatments and packaged sterilely. In the context ofpackaging, it is particularly important that sterile technique bepracticed during sealing and during opening of a package. One importantfeature of the packaging material is to have good drapeability such thatit will readily fall away from a sterilized item as the sterilizedpackage is opened. Another important feature is the sealing of thepackage to maintain sterility. Often a single coating of adhesive isapplied and pressure sealed, in theory, to form an airtight seal inorder to maintain sterility; however, in actuality the single coating issusceptible to non-uniform coating and leakage.

For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0102232,entitled, “Synthetic Based Self Seal Adhesive System for Packaging,”includes a water based self seal adhesive system utilizing a self sealadhesive containing no natural rubber. The self seal adhesive system isa transfer adhesive disposed on a transfer web and an anchor adhesivedisposed on an anchor web with the two adhesives forming the seal forthe package. The self seal adhesives bond to themselves when pressure isapplied to close or seal the packaging material. When peeled apart, theadhesive splits, adhesive fails from either or both the front web andthe back web, or destroys one or both of the substrates of the package.Primer coatings may also be used to enhance performance of the self sealadhesive.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,090, entitled, “Sterilizable FlexiblePouch Package,” includes a high temperature steam-sterilizable flexiblepouch package includes a non-woven barrier web, a perforated plasticintermediate web, and an imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat sealsbonding the webs form a cavity into which high temperature sterilizingsteam may enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs.The line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of thedelamination failure type. An access opening is provided for insertionof an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which the accessopening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity. After hightemperature steam sterilizing, the package is opened by peeling apartthe upper web from the intermediate web which causes a delaminationfailure of the line heat seal.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,718,433, entitled, “Packaging System for aSterilized Article,” includes a sterilization pouch. The pouch includesa posterior portion attached to an anterior portion along three edges.The two portions define the pouch. The top part of the pouch is invertedso that the inside part of the pouch is facing outward and forms a cuffaround the pouch. An integral internal sterilization indicator isfurther provided. The integral indicator comprises a sterilizing agentsensitive substance. The sterilizing agent sensitive substance can be anindicator ink printed as an ink line on the interior of thesterilization pouch below the cuff.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,112, entitled, “Peel Package,” includesa sterilizable package for medical objects or the like, comprising, afirst layer of material, a second layer of film on said first layer, athird layer having a preformed blister formed from film on said secondlayer, the layers being sealed together in a peripheral seal to form aspace between the second and third layers for an object, the sealbetween the first layer and the second and third layers being releasableby tensile separation of the first layer from the second and thirdlayers, and the second layer having a breakable perforation line at thespace whereby the second layer can be broken at the perforation line toexpose a portion of the object for direct presentation of the objectfrom one person to another person.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,586, entitled, “Formulation,” includesan adhesive composition that is specifically formulated for use inpackaging medical products such as catheters between a spun-bondedpolyolefin non-woven fabric and an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer filmincludes from about 5 to about 65 percent by weight of a low densitypolyethylene; from about 35 to about 90 percent by weight of an ethylenevinyl acetate copolymers; and from about 5 to about 65 percent by weightof a linear block copolymer having at least one vinyl substitutedaromatic hydrocarbon polymer block and at least one polyolefin polymerblock made from an aliphatic conjugated diene.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,838, entitled, “BlendedPressure-Sensitive Adhesives,” includes a pressure-sensitive adhesivecomprising a blend of at least two components, wherein the firstcomponent is at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive and the secondcomponent is at least one thermoplastic material, wherein the componentsform a blended composition having more than one domain and, wherein onedomain is substantially continuous (generally, the pressure-sensitiveadhesive) and the other domain is substantially fibrillous to schistose(generally, the thermoplastic material). The second component can be (a)at least one thermoplastic elastomer, (b) at least one elastomer with atackifying resin or (c) at least one elastomer. The entire contents ofeach which are incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a design control water based adhesivecomposition for application using a printing press comprising: a designcontrol water based adhesive composition comprising one or more selectedfrom acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinylacetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene,polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styreneacrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinylalcohol, and wax emulsion.

In one embodiment the design control water based adhesive furtherincludes one or more additives selected from the group consisting oftackifiers, fillers, plasticizers, property modifiers, flow modifiers,dyes, pigments, flame retardants, stabilizers, antioxidants,compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, pH adjusters, deionized water,colorants, sequestrants, preservatives, surfactants and other additives.

The present invention also includes a package for containing an articleincluding a flexible anchor web; a flexible transfer web; and a designcontrol water based adhesive composition comprising one or more selectedfrom acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinylacetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene,polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styreneacrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinylalcohol, and wax emulsion coated on a surface of either or both of saidanchor and transfer webs.

The polymer emulsion may contains a polymer or copolymer selected fromthe group consisting of carboxylated vinyl acetate ethylene emulsion,styrene acrylate emulsion and acrylates, styrene acrylates, vinylacetates, vinyl acetate ethylene copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetatecopolymers, (high styrene) styrene butadiene rubbers, polyurethanedispersions, polystyrene emulsions, vinyl chloride ethylene emulsions,polyvinyl chloride homopolymers and copolymers emulsions, polyvinylidenechloride homopolymers and copolymer emulsions, polyethylene homopolymerand copolymer emulsions, polypropylene homopolymer and copolymeremulsions, and polyester emulsions, acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide,polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene,acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester,polyester emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane,polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene chloride, silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene,styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate,vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl alcohol, wax emulsion and/or mixturesthereof.

The design control water based adhesive composition may include about 1to 99.9% of a polymer or combination of polymers, selected from thegroup consisting of: styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylic polymersand copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene methacrylic (EMA)or acrylic acid (EAA), polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyurethane (PU),silanes and silanated polymers.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a packaging printingpress method for a sealable container including a sealable containercomprising a first side and a second side each having a top side, abottom side, a right side, a left side and a storage region positionedthere between; one or more adhesive layers deposited on the sealablesubstrate the top side, the bottom side, the right side, the left sideof the first side; and a cover positioned to fit the sealable substrate.The present invention may include an integral sterilization indicator.The one or more adhesive layers may include a polymer or copolymerselected from the group consisting of: carboxylated vinyl acetateethylene emulsion, styrene acrylate emulsion and acrylates, styreneacrylates, vinyl acetates, vinyl acetate ethylene copolymers, ethylenevinyl acetate copolymers, (high styrene) styrene butadiene rubbers,polyurethane dispersions, polystyrene emulsions, vinyl chloride ethyleneemulsions, polyvinyl chloride homopolymers and copolymers emulsions,polyvinylidene chloride homopolymers and copolymer emulsions,polyethylene homopolymer and copolymer emulsions, polypropylenehomopolymer and copolymer emulsions, and polyester emulsions,acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinylacetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene,polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styreneacrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinylalcohol, wax emulsion and/or mixtures thereof.

The present invention provides a packaging method for a sealablecontainer using a design control water based adhesive composition forapplication using a printing press by providing a printing press havingmultiple heads; providing the multiple heads individually with at leasta first composition and a second composition; providing a substratecomprising a first side and a second side each having a top edge, abottom edge, a right edge, a left edge and a storage region positionedthere between; applying the first composition from the printing press tothe top edge, the bottom edge, the right edge, the left edge; applyingat least the second composition from the printing press to the firstcomposition; and placing a cover on the at least a second composition tobe sealed by the second composition and the first composition. Thesecond composition and the first composition may include a polymer orcopolymer selected from the group consisting of: a design control waterbased adhesive composition comprising one or more selected fromacrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinylacetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene,polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styreneacrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinylalcohol, and wax emulsion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

None.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts thatcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of theinvention.

To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms aredefined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understoodby a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the presentinvention. Terms such as “a”, “an” and “the” are not intended to referto only a singular entity, but include the general class of which aspecific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein isused to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usagedoes not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.

Often a single coating of adhesive is applied and pressure sealed to intheory form an airtight seal to maintain sterility; however, in actuallythe single coating is susceptible to non-uniform coating and leakage.

As used herein the term “delamination failure peel seal” denotes apeelable seal which opens prematurely.

As used herein the term “permanent line heat seal” denotes a bonding twomaterials. The seal extends along a line and has a bonding strength thatis greater than either of the bonded materials. An attempt to separatethe bonded webs along the seal will result in destruction of the seal.

As used herein the term “laminated” denotes a multi-layer structure inwhich adjacent layers are bonded over essentially their entire adjacentsurfaces, and is used broadly to encompass co-extrusions, truelaminations of pre-formed sheets bonded to one another either with orwithout adhesives, and coated layers.

As used herein the term “barrier” denotes a material that is aneffective barrier against the passage of contaminates.

The present invention provides a design control water based adhesiveapplied to TYVEK®, paper or film using printing press. The adhesive maybe applied to the substrate in a pattern, a design, around theperipheral, or over the entire substrate. In one embodiment, theprinting press coated 100% of the TYVEK® substrate. In anotherembodiment, the printing press coated the TYVEK® substrate in a pattern.

The present invention provides a system for the preparation of headerbags, pouches, lids for soft (flexible packaging), hard trays andcontainers for the medical packaging industry. The coated material couldbe produced at roll goods or individual lids, depending upon the desiredend use. The pouches could be film to film, paper to paper, paper tofilm, film to TYVEK®, TYVEK® to TYVEK®, or any other configuration usedin medical packaging. The hard trays would require “lids” which wouldhave the adhesive applied only in the areas where the seal is required.

The present invention provides a one, two, three, four, five or moreadhesive system, and may be water based. In one embodiment, the presentinvention provides a three adhesive system on a TYVEK® substrate. Thefirst adhesive is a mixture of SANCURE® 1601 a water based urethanesystem and HS-100 (Michelman) a water based Ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymer (EVA). This layer also applies strength to the TYVEK®, bysoaking in and reinforcing the TYVEK® layers, so that the TYVEK® hasless of a tendency to delaminate. The mixture may be 66%/34%, but can be10-90% urethane and 10-90% EVA. The second adhesive is a material fromMichelman, MED-777T, which is an EVA, which contains titanium dioxide togive a white appearance to the adhesive that remains on the film so thatit can be seen if there is a compromise of the sterile seal. The thirdadhesive is also a material from Michelman, MED-777, which is the sameas the second adhesive layer, except that it does not contain titaniumdioxide. The D777 is a blend of EVA latexes.

The layers can also include a third layer that is a “softer” system. Theviscosity of the adhesive systems is adjusted so that they are capableof being used on the particular printing press. In one embodiment thesubstrate is medical grade TYVEK®; however, other possible substrateswill be discussed in the future system. The present invention alsoprovides a system that can use flexography, gravure, screen, digitalprinting, embossing, letterpress, offset lithography, and thermography.

In another embodiment, the system includes an eight color Mark Andyprinting press. In all cases, the anilox sizes are chosen to deliver thedesired amount of ink, adhesive or both. For example, the first printinghead applies ink in a pattern for identification purposes, on the sidewhich will be opposite of the side with the patterned adhesive. Thesecond and the third head apply the first layer of adhesive. The fourthand fifth head apply the second layer of adhesive. The sixth and seventhheads apply the third layer of adhesive. The adhesive or ink is dried bythe heating system on the press, between each of the individual printingheads. The adhesive is printed on in whatever the desired pattern is forthe finished product. The finished material is heat sealed to makepouches or header bags to a film.

The present invention provides numerous advantages including the factthat the adhesive does not come into contact with the packaged medicaldevice, eliminating the possibility of adhesive transfer to the device.The present invention provides a reduction of the amount of breathableTYVEK® it needs to obtain the needed sterilization. The presentinvention provides a reduction of the time of sterilization, since afaster transfer of gas through the more breathable TYVEK®.

The present invention provides a system can be used for the desiccantindustry, the toner lid industry (e.g., for systems using dry or wettoner) and the food packaging industry. These uses would be similar,with the application being done of a heat seal adhesive to the requiredareas for heat sealing and then used by applying heat and pressure for aspecific period of time.

The substrates may be TYVEK®, a film, a modified paper, or paper for themedical packaging industry. For desiccant pouching the substrate can beTYVEK®, a paper, a modified paper, or a film. For the toner industry,the substrate can be a paper, a modified paper, a film or TYVEK®.

In addition to the present ingredients, the following could be used(they could be solvent or water based latexes): acrylonitrile butadiene,polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene,polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene,polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion,polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral,polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, silicone emulsion, styreneisoprene, styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinylacetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl alcohol, wax emulsion. They couldbe used straight or in blends.

In another embodiment, the system includes a multi-head printing press,wherein the anilox sizes are chosen to deliver the desired amount ofink, adhesive or both. For example, in a simple system having multipleprint heads but using 2 print heads, the first printing head applies afirst layer of a first adhesive and the second printing head applies asecond layer of a second adhesive.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print heads butusing 5 print heads, the first printing head applies a first layer of afirst adhesive; the second printing head applies a second layer of asecond adhesive; the third printing head applies the third layer of athird adhesive; the fourth printing head applies a fourth layer of afourth adhesive; and the fifth printing head applies a fifth layer of afifth adhesive.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print heads butusing 10 print heads, the first printing head applies a first layer of afirst adhesive; the second printing head applies a second layer of asecond adhesive; the third printing head applies the third layer of athird adhesive; the fourth printing head applies a fourth layer of afourth adhesive; the fifth printing head applies a fifth layer of afifth adhesive; the sixth printing head applies a sixth layer of a sixthadhesive; the seventh printing head applies a seventh layer of a seventhadhesive; the eight printing head applies a eight layer of a eightadhesive; the ninth printing head applies a ninth layer of a ninthadhesive; and the tenth printing head applies a tenth layer of a tenthadhesive. From these nonlimiting examples it is clear to see howmultiple heads from 1-10 or even more heads can be used.

In addition, the multiple heads may deliver the same composition or maydeliver a unique composition. As a result, there are a number ofdifferent combinations possible. For example, different layers may becombined in different orders to provide a unique overall composition.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print heads butusing 7 print heads. The first printing head applies a first layer of afirst indicator. The second printing head applies a second layer of afirst adhesive. The third printing head applies the third layer of afirst adhesive. The fourth printing head applies a fourth layer of asecond adhesive. The fifth printing head applies a fifth layer of asecond adhesive. The sixth printing head applies a sixth layer of athird adhesive. The seventh printing head applies a seventh layer of athird adhesive.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print heads butusing 3 print heads. The first printing head applies a first layer of afirst adhesive. The second printing head applies a second layer of asecond adhesive. The third printing head applies the third layer of afirst adhesive.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print heads.The first printing head applies a first layer of a first indicator. Thesecond printing head applies a second layer of a first adhesive. Thethird printing head applies the third layer of a second indicator.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print heads butusing 10 print heads. The first printing head applies a first layer of afirst adhesive. The second printing head applies a second layer of asecond adhesive. The third printing head applies the third layer of afirst adhesive. The fourth printing head applies a fourth layer of asecond adhesive. The fifth printing head applies a fifth layer of afirst adhesive. The sixth printing head applies a sixth layer of asecond adhesive. The seventh printing head applies a seventh layer of afirst adhesive. The eight printing head applies a eight layer of asecond adhesive. The ninth printing head applies a ninth layer of afirst adhesive. The tenth printing head applies a tenth layer of asecond adhesive.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print heads butusing 10 print heads. The first printing head applies a first layer of afirst adhesive. The second printing head applies a second layer of asecond adhesive. The third printing head applies the third layer of athird adhesive. The fourth printing head applies a fourth layer of afirst adhesive. The fifth printing head applies a fifth layer of asecond adhesive. The sixth printing head applies a sixth layer of athird adhesive. The seventh printing head applies a seventh layer of afirst adhesive. The eight printing head applies a eight layer of asecond adhesive. The ninth printing head applies a ninth layer of athird adhesive.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print heads butusing 4 print heads. The first printing head applies a first layer of afirst adhesive. The second printing head applies a second layer of asecond adhesive. The third printing head applies the third layer of afirst adhesive. The fourth printing head applies a fourth layer of athird adhesive.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print heads butusing 10 print heads. The first printing head applies a first layer of afirst adhesive. The second printing head applies a second layer of asecond adhesive. The third printing head applies the third layer of afirst adhesive. The fourth printing head applies a fourth layer of athird adhesive. The fifth printing head applies a fifth layer of a firstadhesive. The sixth printing head applies a sixth layer of a fourthadhesive. The seventh printing head applies a seventh layer of a firstadhesive. The eight printing head applies a eight layer of a fifthadhesive. The ninth printing head applies a ninth layer of a firstadhesive. The tenth printing head applies a tenth layer of a sixthadhesive. As it can be seen the combination can be modified to produceany final composition desired.

The first printing head applies a first layer of a first indicator. Thesecond printing head applies a second layer of a first adhesive. Thethird printing head applies the third layer of a second adhesive. Thefourth printing head applies a fourth layer of a first adhesive. Thefifth printing head applies a fifth layer of a third adhesive. The sixthprinting head applies a sixth layer of a fourth adhesive. The seventhprinting head applies a seventh layer of a first adhesive.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print heads.The first printing head applies a first layer of a first adhesive. Thesecond printing head applies a second layer of a first adhesive. Thethird printing head applies the third layer of a second adhesive. Thefourth printing head applies a fourth layer of a first adhesive. Thefifth printing head applies a fifth layer of a third adhesive. The sixthprinting head applies a sixth layer of a third adhesive. The seventhprinting head applies a seventh layer of a second adhesive. The eightprinting head applies a eight layer of a fourth adhesive. The ninthprinting head applies a ninth layer of a second adhesive. The tenthprinting head applies a tenth layer of a fifth adhesive.

Another example includes a simple system having multiple print headsthat apply a composition to different regions or zones of the substrate.For example, a substrate may have multiple zones or regions, e.g., eachside may have one or more zones. A substrate may have one zone on threesides of a periphery of one side of the substrate and a second zone onthe fourth sides of a periphery of one side of the substrate to make 2zones. A substrate may have one zone on each side of a periphery of oneside of the substrate to make 4 zones. A substrate may have multiplezones on each side of a periphery of one side of the substrate to make 8or more zones. A substrate may have one zone on each side of a peripheryand one zone on each corner of one side of the substrate to make 8zones. These are meant for illustrative examples and may be modified toinclude different zones and number of zones as well as differentcombinations of adhesives as listed above.

One type of known apparatus usable to seal a polymeric film lid onto thetop rim of a container uses a heated platten. If the tray is plastic, itcan be made leak proof and airtight. If it is paperboard, it can be madeleak resistant. The apparatus involves a fixed lower support serving asa tray carrier and having a well or cavity to receive and retain acontainer therein, and an upper heated platen pivotally mounted to shiftto a closed position on the container and lid between the platen and thelower support. The heated platen is manually forced down and held downby the weight of the human operator onto the container and lid during atime period while heat is applied to seal the lid to the container.However, in order to provide sufficient force on the container and lidto fully compress the periphery of the two together, the heated upperplaten must be manually forced down with a significant force which isusually about 20-40 pounds. By using leverage-type mechanical advantage,the force applied to the container and lid can be about 75 pounds. Thisexertion is required for each tray and lid, and for a set time period,in order to force the platen and tray carrier fully together. Moreover,it has been determined that even the application of this much force issometimes not sufficient to assure a complete seal of the lid peripheryto the container periphery. To be certain of sealing, the force shouldactually be several times this amount. One of the variables that canprevent total sealing is a non-uniform thickness of the flange of thetray about its periphery, thereby resulting in a poor seal at thethinner areas.

The present invention provides pressure-sensitive adhesives includingtackified natural rubbers; synthetic rubbers such as butyl rubber; andtackified linear, radial, star, and branched and tapered styrene blockcopolymers, such as styrene-butadiene, styrene-ethylene/butylene andstyrene-isoprene; polyurethanes; polyvinyl ethers; acrylics, especiallythose having long chain alkyl groups; poly-a-olefins; and silicones. Forexample, acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylenevinyl acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber,neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styreneacrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinylalcohol, wax emulsion.

In one embodiment the pressure-sensitive adhesive is used on sheets inthe form of a coherent nonwoven web of fibers that has a four-foldbalance of adhesion, cohesion, stretchiness, and elasticity. The fiberstypically have a diameter of no greater than about 100 microns and arecoherent fibers that can include one material or a mixture of materialsin one layer, or multiple materials in multiple layers.

The present invention provides polymers which may or may not beinherently tacky. In the polymeric mixtures (e.g., polymeric blends),the different polymers may or may not be compatible with each other, aslong as the overall mixture is compatible.

In one embodiment the polymers or copolymers of the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to, acrylates; polyolefins such aspolyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyhexene, polyoctene;polystyrenes; polyurethanes; polyesters such aspolyethyleneterephthalate; polyamides such as nylon; natural orsynthetic rubber resins such as styrenic block copolymers (e.g.,styrene/isoprene/styrene, styrene/butadiene/styrene); epoxies; vinylacetates such as ethylene vinyl acetate; polydiorganosiloxane polyureacopolymers; copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof. These polymers mayor may not have pressure-sensitive adhesive properties, as long as theoverall resultant has pressure-sensitive adhesive properties.

Preferably, the composition of the present invention includes, but isnot limited to acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene,ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, naturalrubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion,polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate,polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidenechloride, silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile,styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinylacetate-ethylene, copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof.

Suitable rubber resin adhesives include those formed using a tackifiedelastomer where a preferred elastomer is an A-B type block copolymerwherein the A and B blocks are configured in linear (e.g., a diblock ortriblock copolymer), radial or star configurations. The A block isformed of a mono-alkenylarene, (e.g., a polystyrene block having amolecular weight between 4000 and 50,000). Other suitable A blocks maybe formed from alpha-methylstyrene, t-butyl-styrene and other ringalkylated styrenes, as well as mixtures thereof. The B block is formedof an elastomeric conjugated diene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene orcopolymers (e.g., having an average molecular weight from about 5000 toabout 500,000). The A block content is about 10 to 50 weight percent ofthe block copolymer and the B block content is about 90 to 50 percent.The tackifying components for the elastomer based adhesives generallycomprise solid tackifying resin and/or a liquid tackifier orplasticizer, e.g., napthenic oils, paraffin oils, aromatic oils, mineraloils or low molecular weight rosin esters, polyterpenes and C5 resins,resin esters, polyterpenes and the like.

Suitable polyolefin adhesives include tackified polyolefin elastomeradhesives, or amophous poly(alpha-olefin) polymers suitable for forminghot melt pressure-sensitive adhesives with or without added tackifier.Such amorphous poly(alpha-olefin) polymers are generally copolymers ofC3 to C5 linear alpha-olefin(s) and a higher alpha-olefin(s) (generallyC6 to C10). Preferred are copolymers of polyolefins with polyhexene,polyheptene, polyoctene, polynonene, and/or polydecene. Such amorphouspoly(alpha-olefins).

Suitable acrylate copolymer pressure-sensitive adhesives includepoly(acrylates) derived from: (A) at least one monofunctional alkyl(meth)acrylate monomer (i.e., allyl acrylate and alkyl methacrylatemonomer); and (B) at least one monofunctional free-radicallycopolymerizable reinforcing monomer.

The monomers used in preparing the pressure-sensitive adhesive copolymerfibers of the present invention include: (A) a monofunctional alkyl(meth)acrylate monomer and (B) a monofunctional free-radicallycopolymerizable reinforcing monomer. Monomer A, which is amonofunctional alkyl acrylate or methacrylate (i.e., (meth)acrylic acidester), contributes to the flexibility and tack of the copolymer. Thealkyl group can optionally contain oxygen atoms in the chain therebyforming ethers or alkoxy ethers. Examples of monomer A include, but arenot limited to, 2-methylbutyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, laurylacrylate, 4-methyl-2-pentyl acrylate, isoamyl acrylate, sec-butylacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate,n-octyl acrylate, n-decyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, isodecylmethacrylate, and isononyl acrylate. Other examples include, but are notlimited to, poly-ethoxylated or --propoxylated methoxy (meth)acrylate(i.e., poly(ethylene/propylene oxide) mono(meth)acrylate) macromers(i.e., macromolecular monomers), polymethylvinyl ethermono(meth)acrylate macromers, and ethoxylated or propoxylatednonylphenol acrylate macromers. Monomer B, which is a monofunctionalfree-radically copolymerizable reinforcing monomer; increases the glasstransition temperature of the copolymer. As used herein, “reinforcing”monomers are those that increase the modulus of the adhesive, andthereby its strength. Examples of monomer B include, but are not limitedto, acrylamides, such as acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-methylacrylamide, N-ethyl acrylamide, N-methylol acrylamide, N-hydroxyethylacrylamide, diacetone acrylamide, N,N-dimethyl acrylamide, N,N-diethylacrylamide, N-ethyl-N-aminoethyl acrylamide, N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethylacrylamide, N,N-dimethylol acrylamide, N,N-dihydroxyethyl acrylamide,t-butyl acrylamide, dimethylaminoethyl acrylamide, N-octyl acrylamide,and 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl acrylamide. Other examples of monomer Binclude acrylic acid and methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid,maleic acid, fumaric acid, 2,2-(diethoxy)ethyl acrylate, hydroxyethylacrylate or methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate or methacrylate,methyl methacrylate, isobutyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobomylacrylate, 2-(phenoxy)ethyl acrylate or methacrylate, biphenylylacrylate, t-butylphenyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate, dimethyladamantylacrylate, 2-naphthyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate, N-vinyl pyrrolidone, andN-vinyl caprolactam.

A crosslinking agent can be used if so desired to build the molecularweight and the strength of the copolymer, and hence improve theintegrity and shape. The crosslinking agent may produce chemicalcrosslinks (e.g., covalent bonds). The crosslinking agent may be anacrylic crosslinking monomer, or a polymeric crosslinking materialhaving a copolymerizable vinyl group. The acrylic crosslinking monomeris preferably one that is copolymerized with monomers A and B andgenerates free radicals in the polymer backbone upon irradiation of thepolymer.

The adhesive compositions of the present invention may contain, optionaladditives including tackifiers, fillers, plasticizers, and otherproperty modifiers, such as flow modifiers, dyes, pigments, flameretardants, stabilizers, antioxidants, compatibilizers, antimicrobialagents, and other additives are not necessary. These additives areincorporated in amounts that do not materially adversely affect thedesired properties of the pressure-sensitive adhesives.

The present invention also includes natural rubber pressure-sensitiveadhesives generally contain masticated natural rubber and includetackifying resins.

The present invention also includes styrene block copolymerpressure-sensitive adhesives generally include elastomers of the A-B orA-B-A type, where A represents a thermoplastic polystyrene block and Brepresents a rubbery block of polyisoprene, polybutadiene, orpoly(ethylene/butylene), and resins. Examples of the various blockcopolymers useful in block copolymer pressure-sensitive adhesivesinclude linear, radial, star and tapered styrene-isoprene blockcopolymers; linear styrene-(ethylene-butylene) block copolymers; linearstyrene-(ethylene-propylene) block copolymers; and linear, radial, andstar styrene-butadiene block copolymers. Thermoplastic phase associatingresins include polyaromatics; coumarone-indene; and otherhigh-solubility parameter resins derived from coal tar or petroleum.

The present invention includes polyvinyl ether pressure-sensitiveadhesives are generally blends of homopolymers of vinyl methyl ether,vinyl ethyl ether or vinyl iso-butyl ether, or blends of homopolymers ofvinyl ethers and copolymers of vinyl ethers and acrylates to achievedesired pressure-sensitive properties. Depending on the degree ofpolymerization, homopolymers may be viscous oils, tacky soft resins orrubber-like substances. Polyvinyl ethers used as raw materials inpolyvinyl ether adhesives include polymers based on: vinyl methyl ether;vinyl ethyl ether; vinyl isobutyl ether; methacrylate/vinyl isobutylether/acrylic acid. Antioxidants tackifiers, plasticizers and pigmentsuseful to stabilize the polyvinylether pressure-sensitive adhesive mayalso be used.

The present invention includes acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives andmay comprise from 100 to 80 weight percent of a C3-C12 alkyl estercomponent such as, for example, isooctyl acrylate, 2-ethyl-hexylacrylate and n-butyl acrylate and from 0 to 20 weight percent of a polarcomponent such as, for example, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylenevinyl acetate, N-vinyl pyrrolidone and styrene macromer. Preferably, theacrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives comprise from 0 to 20 weightpercent of acrylic acid and from 100 to 80 weight percent of isooctylacrylate.

The present invention includes silicone pressure-sensitive adhesivesmade of two major components, a polymer or gum, and a tackifying resin.The polymer is typically a high molecular weight polydimethylsiloxane orpolydimethyldiphenylsiloxane, that contains residual silanolfunctionality (SiOH) on the ends of the polymer chain, or a blockcopolymer comprising polydiorganosiloxane soft segments and ureaterminated hard segments. The tackifying resin is generally athree-dimensional silicate structure that is endcapped withtrimethylsiloxy groups (OSiMe3) and also contains some residual silanolfunctionality.

For example, the package assembly includes three layers, namely a baselayer of TYVEK® (i.e., a breathable, nonwoven, spun bonded, polyolefinmaterial); a adhesive layer, (e.g., a flexible heat sealable polymer,preferably translucent, and most preferably transparent, as ofpolyethylene); and a top layer having a three-dimensional preformed areaof a heat sealable polymeric layer (e.g., ethylene-vinyl acetate,ethylene-vinyl acetate). The layers are joined together, preferably by aheat seal, a hot melt adhesive such as EVA which may be applied over thesurface. Use of an adhesive assures excellent sealing between layers.

The present invention also provides a method of forming a novel package.Specifically, a continuous web or film feeds to a forming die whichrepeatedly thermoforms spaced three-dimensional areas in web to formpockets. Next the objects are shown placed in the respective pockets,after which a continuous film is applied over the web and the objects.Next the final layer is applied. The layers are sealed around theperiphery of the blisters by a heat sealer, using a heat responsiveadhesive. Finally, the individual packages are severed from the stripthereof by a cutting element. A delamination failure peel seal extendsalong substantially the full length line of permanent line heat seal.However, it is only required that the peel seal extends a distance alongthe line heat seal such that when the peel seal portion of the heat sealis fully peeled open, the contents of cavity are readily accessible. Forexample, it is often desirable to make permanent seals between webs Aand B in the regions of line heat seal at the end of the pouch andadjacent to the access opening of the pouch. A permanent seal at thispoint will prevent undesirable premature peeling a part of webs A and Bwhen an object is inserted into the pouch. A line heat seal defines theouter limits of a cavity for holding one or more items to be sterilized.The line heat seal does not, however, extend completely around thecavity as it is necessary to provide the pouch with an access opening topermit insertion into the cavity of an object to be sterilized. The heatseal is therefore omitted from at least one marginal region of the pouchto provide access between webs A and B into the cavity. In oneembodiment, the line heat seal is also omitted in the region where theaccess opening is provided. Thus, in the pouch, the line heat seal isprovided directly below the line heat seal, but line heat seals are bothomitted from end of the pouch. After an object to be sterilized has beeninserted into cavity, the package is sealed. This can be accomplished inany of several ways, such as by providing the package with an adhesivecoating or tape or by heat sealing. If desired, the pouch can beprovided with a conventional indicator means for showing thatsterilization is complete. Suitable indicators include inks and tapes.When ready for use, the sterilized pouch package is simply openedmanually by grasping the flange areas to open the delamination failurepeel seal as described above. The two webs which surround cavity 16 havesmooth plastic surfaces which, together with the reliable peeling openof the peel seal, virtually eliminate the generation of fiber fragmentsor dust.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specificationcan be implemented with respect to any method, kit, reagent, orcomposition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositionsof the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein areshown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention.The principal features of this invention can be employed in variousembodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no morethan routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specificprocedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to bewithin the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims.

All publications and patent applications mentioned in the specificationare indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art towhich this invention pertains. All publications and patent applicationsare herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if eachindividual publication or patent application was specifically andindividually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,”and “one or more than one.” The use of the term “or” in the claims isused to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer toalternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, althoughthe disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternativesand “and/or.” Throughout this application, the term “about” is used toindicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for thedevice, the method being employed to determine the value, or thevariation that exists among the study subjects.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or method steps.

The term “or combinations thereof” as used herein refers to allpermutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term.For example, “A, B, C, or combinations thereof” is intended to includeat least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is importantin a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB.Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations thatcontain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, MB, BBC,AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan willunderstand that typically there is no limit on the number of items orterms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein canbe made and executed without undue experimentation in light of thepresent disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this inventionhave been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will beapparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied tothe compositions and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence ofsteps of the method described herein without departing from the concept,spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes andmodifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to bewithin the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A design control water based adhesive compositionfor application for use with a printing press comprising: a designcontrol water based adhesive composition comprising one or more selectedfrom acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinylacetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene,polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styreneacrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinylalcohol, and wax emulsion, wherein the design control water basedadhesive composition is adapted for use with a printing press.
 2. Thepackage of claim 1 wherein the design control water based adhesivecomposition comprises about 1 to 99.9% of a polymer or combination ofpolymers, selected from the group consisting of: styrene butadienerubber (SBR), acrylic polymers and copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate(EVA), ethylene methacrylic (EMA) or acrylic acid (EAA),polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyurethane (PU), silanes and silanatedpolymers.
 3. The design control water based adhesive composition ofclaim 1 further comprising one or more additives selected from the groupconsisting of tackifiers, fillers, plasticizers, property modifiers,flow modifiers, dyes, pigments, flame retardants, stabilizers,antioxidants, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, pH adjusters,deionized water, colorants, sequestrants, preservatives, surfactants andother additives.
 4. A package for containing an article comprising: aflexible anchor web; a flexible transfer web; and a design control waterbased adhesive composition adapted for use with a printing presscomprising one or more selected from acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide,polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene,acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester,polyester emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane,polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene chloride, silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene,styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate,vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl alcohol, and wax emulsion coated on asurface of either or both of said anchor and transfer webs.
 5. Thepackage of claim 4 wherein said polymer emulsion contains a polymer orcopolymer selected from the group consisting of: carboxylated vinylacetate ethylene emulsion, styrene acrylate emulsion and acrylates,styrene acrylates, vinyl acetates, vinyl acetate ethylene copolymers,ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, (high styrene) styrene butadienerubbers, polyurethane dispersions, polystyrene emulsions, vinyl chlorideethylene emulsions, polyvinyl chloride homopolymers and copolymersemulsions, polyvinylidene chloride homopolymers and copolymer emulsions,polyethylene homopolymer and copolymer emulsions, polypropylenehomopolymer and copolymer emulsions, and polyester emulsions,acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinylacetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene,polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styreneacrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinylalcohol, wax emulsion and/or mixtures thereof.
 6. The package of claim 4wherein the design control water based adhesive composition comprisesabout 1 to 99.9% of a polymer or combination of polymers, selected fromthe group consisting of: styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylicpolymers and copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylenemethacrylic (EMA) or acrylic acid (EAA), polyethyleneimine (PEI),polyurethane (PU), silanes and silanated polymers.
 7. The package ofclaim 4, further comprising an integral sterilization indicator.
 8. Apackaging printing press kit for a sealable container comprising: asealable container comprising a first side and a second side each havinga top side, a bottom side, a right side, a left side and a storageregion positioned there between; one or more adhesive layers depositedon the sealable substrate the top side, the bottom side, the right side,the left side of the first side; and a cover positioned to fit thesealable substrate.
 9. The kit of claim 8, further comprising asterilized sealable substrate.
 10. The kit of claim 8, furthercomprising an integral sterilization indicator.
 11. The kit of claim 8,wherein the one or more adhesive layers comprise a polymer or copolymerselected from the group consisting of: carboxylated vinyl acetateethylene emulsion, styrene acrylate emulsion and acrylates, styreneacrylates, vinyl acetates, vinyl acetate ethylene copolymers, ethylenevinyl acetate copolymers, (high styrene) styrene butadiene rubbers,polyurethane dispersions, polystyrene emulsions, vinyl chloride ethyleneemulsions, polyvinyl chloride homopolymers and copolymers emulsions,polyvinylidene chloride homopolymers and copolymer emulsions,polyethylene homopolymer and copolymer emulsions, polypropylenehomopolymer and copolymer emulsions, and polyester emulsions,acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinylacetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene,polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styreneacrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinylalcohol, wax emulsion and/or mixtures thereof.
 12. A packaging methodfor a sealable container using a design control water based adhesivecomposition for application using a printing press comprising the stepsof: providing a printing press having multiple heads; providing themultiple heads individually with at least a first composition and asecond composition; providing a substrate comprising a first side and asecond side each having a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, a leftedge and a storage region positioned there between; applying the firstcomposition from the printing press to the top edge, the bottom edge,the right edge, the left edge; applying at least the second compositionfrom the printing press to the first composition; and placing a cover onthe at least a second composition to be sealed by the second compositionand the first composition.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising the step of sterilizing the substrate.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, further comprising the step of adding an integralsterilization indicator.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the secondcomposition and the first composition independently comprise a polymeror copolymer selected from the group consisting of: a design controlwater based adhesive composition comprising one or more selected fromacrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinylacetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene,polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinylalcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styreneacrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinylalcohol, and wax emulsion.